Suzuki Alivio aka Maruti Ciaz sedan- Preview

The mid-sized segment is one of the most populated segments, and all the carmakers are working aggressively to grab more market share by introducing new cars and facelifts in the market. Recently, we have witnessed new generation Honda City and Fiat Linea facelift. Ford India will soon launch the Fiesta facelift, while Nissan will bring […]

The mid-sized segment is one of the most populated segments, and all the carmakers are working aggressively to grab more market share by introducing new cars and facelifts in the market. Recently, we have witnessed new generation Honda City and Fiat Linea facelift. Ford India will soon launch the Fiesta facelift, while Nissan will bring the updated Sunny sedan by mid-2014. Maruti is also planning to launch the Ciaz sedan in the country which will replace the SX4 sedan, which failed to attract buyers. The SX4 sedan is one of the most practical sedans available in the market, thanks to its masculine look, high ground clearance and decent interiors. Surprisingly, the vehicle never sold well in the country. At the 2014 Beijing Auto Show, Suzuki unveiled the Alivio sedan which is basically a near production version of the Ciaz concept shown earlier this year at Delhi Auto Show.

The Alivio looks modern and appealing compared to the aging SX4. The front fascia of the sedan gets a trapezoidal grille with chrome inserts that accommodates the Suzuki logo. Its grille is complemented by large angular shaped projector headlamps which offer sportiness to the sedan. The bumper sports wide air dams and a pair of fog lamp. The side profile gets aerodynamic crease that runs across the length.

At the rear, the sedan looks equally aggressive with impressive taillights. The rear sports dual tail pipes while the air scoops are integrated into the bumper. Compared to SX4 sedan, the Alivio sedan is larger in size while its height has been reduced giving it a more modern look. The sedan measures 4,545mm in length, 1,730mm in width and 1,475mm of height, and it has a large wheelbase of 2,650mm.

Inside the cabin, the Suzuki Alivio is expected to share its design cues with Ertiga MPV and Swift hatchback. It is likely to feature the beige interiors and several advanced features. It will sport an advanced music system with Bluetooth, AUX-in and multimedia function. The automatic climate control with rear AC vents, start/stop button, airbags for both driver and front passengers, ABS with EBD and others will be on offer.

Under the hood, the Suzuki Alivio aka Ciaz sedan will be powered by the same 1.6-litre petrol engine and the 1.3-litre Multi-Jet diesel engine. Both the engines will be offered with five-speed manual transmission gearbox, while the diesel model will also feature an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) gearbox.

The Suzuki Alivio is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 7-10 lakh. It will compete against the likes of new Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento and others in the segment. The exact launch date is yet to be announced, but we expect it to go on sale by the festive season under the Ciaz nameplate.